SDLP Assembly member Dr Alasdair McDonnell has promised a "cliffhanger" of an election in South Belfast after being selected to stand for Westminster in the constituency.
Speaking after he received overwhelming backing from party members, Dr McDonnell criticised the sitting Ulster Unionist MP the Rev Martin Smyth.
Mr Smyth faces a selection challenge from Ulster Unionist and Stormont Minister Mr Michael McGimpsey on Friday.
From a "hard-nosed political point of view" Dr McDonnell admitted he would prefer to run against Mr Smyth - a staunchly anti-Belfast Agreement figure - rather than Mr McGimpsey, a strong supporter of Mr David Trimble.
Dr McDonnell said he had been getting support from other pro-agreement supporters outside the SDLP, including liberal unionists dismayed by Mr Smyth's actions such as mounting a leadership challenge to Mr Trimble last year.
If he is to take the seat he must overturn a near-5,000 majority Mr Smyth currently enjoys.
Sinn Féin has already confirmed south Belfast councillor Mr Seán Hayes will be standing in the general election.
PA